The fundamentals of ketosis

What is Ketosis?

Simply put, it is a metabolic state to that humans enter into when the body does not have enough glucose to fuel itself. This is often the result of a low carbohydrate diet or prolonged fasts. When the body starts to recognize that the amount of glucose at its disposal is too low, it signals the liver to oxidize fatty acids to produce ketone bodies. These ketones are then released from the liver and go into the bloodstream where they act as replacement for glucose as the body’s primary source of metabolic and muscular fuel.

What are Ketones?

Ketones are water-soluble molecules formed from fatty acids within the body. The human body produces three types of ketones when prompted to do so.

1. Acetoacetate (AcAc) – AcAc is the precursor to the other two types of ketones. It represents about 20% of the total circulating ketones in a person’s blood.

2. Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) – This ketone is the most prevalent in the body, making up about 80% of the total circulating ketones in a person’s blood. An enzyme known as BHB-dehydrogenase converts AcAc into BHB. The BHB is then transported out of the liver and into the blood where it serves as fuel.

3. Acetone – The simplest and most volatile of the three ketones, Acetone represents less than 1% of the total circulating ketones in a person’s blood. Acetone is spontaneously created from the breakdown of acetoacetate into BHB. It eventually diffuses into the lungs and is excreted during breathing.

Exogenous Ketones

Through modern science, humans can now ingest exogenous ketones to temporarily enter a deep state of ketosis without the need to fast or limit carbohydrate intake.

Exogenous Ketones like deltaG are a great way for people to enjoy the numerous benefits of ketosis without adhering to the lifestyle required to naturally enter and maintain ketosis.